Balance (according to Google) by definition is “a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.” There is always a lot going on when thinking about our lifestyles and our different elements; trying to find balance can be chaotic. Balance for everyone looks differently, so keep that in mind as you read. Take time and invest in yourself. Find YOUR balance.
When I first became vegan, I felt stressed, overwhelmed, and overall guilty about everything I did. I wanted to live this perfect vegan lifestyle because I thought that’s what was needed to be vegan. I spent a months “cleaning up” and doing this whole 360 of a new lifestyle…it was A LOT! First, it is costly (not because products are pricey, but because I had to buy everything new) to start from scratch. Second, I didn’t realize how many things I owned were not vegan/cruelty free. Third, discovering the vegan/cruelty free lifestyle is a handful in itself. I don’t dwell on my unrealistic expectations because now I can share with how it is NOT necessary to do a 360 like I did.
It took me going through chaos in order to find my balance. I realized that there is no such thing as a “perfect” lifestyle because no one is perfect. I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes, do things little by little, or simply not change something because you DO NOT have too. If you know me personally, I do not agree with imposing beliefs on others…I believe in educating those around me and let them be the ones to decide their path. I often get asked if being vegan is “hard” and for me that is an easy no because I am already accustomed to the lifestyle, but for those out there that aren’t, I always express the phrase “everything in life is about balance.” You do not need to be like me or any other “perfect” vegan because your lifestyle, elements, and balance are yours…not ours.
Finding your balance simply means finding the elements that will make you feel “balanced.” Maybe for you its eating only fish. Maybe for you its indulging once a week with a cheese pizza. Maybe for you it’s only buying cruelty free products. IDK…but you catch my drift! My point is that any small change in your elements to being more conscious, sustainable, eco-friendly, etc. COUNTS. You do not need to do a 360 to make a difference for yourself (mind, body, soul), your balance, your planet. So if you have been wanting this “perfect” conscious lifestyle, but feel its unattainable, I am here to tell you that no lifestyle is perfect, but you can create your balance by taking it day by day. Find the things you are willing to start being more conscious about, discover what things are most important to you, research and educate yourself on how to live a more conscious lifestyle. Then, find your balance.
Here are some ways to start living more consciously:
- Purchasing more cruelty free products & less of the others!
- beauty, household, etc.
- when you’re ready do vegan/cruelty free
- Using reusable bags instead of plastic grocery bags.
- they sell these everywhere even on Amazon!
- Use reusable straws, cups, utensils (no more plastics).
- Target does a great job at stocking reusable/biodegradable products…if not Amazon.
- Be more cautious of the amount of water & electricity being used.
- they have bulbs that are more eco-friendly
- Don’t litter!!!!!!!! Use the trash can not the streets!
- Try to start recycling at home.
- if your city collects recycling, they should have a list of recyclable items online. When in doubt…Google!
- Meatless Monday’s!
- or picking a day or two out of the week to not eat animal products.
- Eating less dairy
- try out dairy alternatives
Cassie the Veggie 